Answers from ELIC
A monthly column dedicated to sharing perplexing problems and slick solutions found in the archives of Computer Services' support staff journals

SPAM!

Q: What’s with all this SPAM that I’ve been getting lately?
A: An increase in spam is usually an indication of two things:

1) Your email address has been added to a number of marketing lists and
2) Those list owners are still in the Christmas selling spirit.

Your first step in getting rid of spam is to make sure you have the Cuesta spam filter set up. For step-by-step “how-to” instructions, check out http://email.cuesta.edu/mailinfo/. Or call Computer Services at x3248 for assistance.

General information about spam can be found at the web site:

http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-61300.html?forumID=7&threadID=55268&messageID=658692&tag=nl.e497

Spyware

Q: Whenever I turn on my home computer and sign in, my entire screen turns blue and has the message “setup of RealPlayer.” How can I get rid of this unwanted message?
A: Sadly, RealPlayer is a known spyware program.

Spyware is any software that covertly gathers information about a person or organization, often disseminating that information via a user’s Internet connection without their knowledge or explicit permission. Symptoms of infection include:

• sluggish PC performance
• increased pop-up ads
• unexplained homepage change
• mysterious search results.

When dealing with spyware at home, I suggest installing a couple of anti-spyware programs, Spybot Search & Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/) and Ad-Aware (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/). By using both cleaning programs, spyware that one will miss the other will usually find and remove.

NOTE: If you suspect spyware on your computer at work, please submit a work order http://support.cuesta.edu/.

For more information on spyware, visit the following web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/spywarewhat.mspx

Q: Where can I get answers about…?
A: If you’re seeking computer-related solutions, you have several paths before you:

• Call extension 3248, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, where a friendly and knowledgeable support tech can give you immediate answers, or where you can schedule one-on-one training.
• Drop in to ELIC (6900 building) Mondays 9:00 – 11:30 am or Thursdays 1:45 – 4:15 pm where a professional will work with you individually.
• Attend a class pertinent to your need. A schedule of classes is available at http://www.cuesta.edu/deptinfo/elic/trainingschedule.htm.